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PL 101: Understanding Your Gifts and Strengths from the MBTI (Discussion 2)

GlenM June 29th, 2020
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Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 1, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/shows that you completed the given activity (if any). Read the post carefully and follow the instructions given. Save your responses to a document that you can later refer to. You will need to copy/paste your response in the course evaluation form at the end of each course to show that you have done the work and to refresh your memory.
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Hello Leadership Crew!

I have just gone through the introduction thread and read about all of you. If you havent yet introduced yourself, then please stop by and share a little about yourself so we can get to know you. Im encouraged by all the great people that have joined. This should be a fun and enriching program!

Let me first zoom back and talk more broadly about your career and how we can help. When you become a leader on 7 Cups, we want you to find the work fulfilling. Fulfilling work means that it is:

a) work you are good at;
b) work that is interesting to you; and
c) work that solves an important problem or meets an important goal (Thiel, 2015).

The sweet spot is that blue area in the middle below.

Work Alignment Diagram

If you do work that you are good at, but not interested in, then you wont do a great job. If you do work that you are interested in, but not particularly good at, then it wont be great work. If you do work that you are good at and interested in, but it isnt helping to solve an important problem, then we wont be a good fit for you. We need alignment on all 3 things. We work very hard at the beginning of your work with us to match your inherent strengths and interests with needs we have so that we can work together to solve problems that we all care about.

You have strengths â things that you are just really good at when compared with others. Operating out of your strengths feels good, is personally fulfilling, and enables you to hit flow states. As a result, you are much more effective and productive. Operating out of weaknesses is a drain. If you have to do work that you are not good at, then you wont be as effective. Doubling down on your strengths enables you to level up much faster and it helps 7 Cups make much more progress. Â

The next step becomes helping you find ways to identify your strengths, gifts or natural talents. You can learn some of this through self-observation - what do you seem especially good at? Are there things that just come natural to you that are more challenging for others? My wife, for example, is really good at writing; it just comes natural to her. Im pretty good at public speaking, whereas others find it more challenging.

Another way is to ask people you trust. You can say: What do you think Im good at? Or: what do you think are my top 1-3 strengths? Things that stand out to you about me? Note: only ask people you trust because sometimes people can give you feedback in a harmful rather than helpful way especially if they are not trustworthy.

For the purposes of this course, we are going to use personality tests to help you identify your strengths. Some of these are better than others; they are more reliable and have more research behind them. Broadly, we are using them here to help you begin to map out your strengths and to help you find ways where you can naturally excel here on 7 Cups, in your personal life, and in whatever career your are in or choose further down the road.

To start:

Go to this site here and take the test: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Next, in the thread below, answer the following questions:

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please Â

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

Last, when people interact with one another, it makes the course more enriching and it allows us to learn more about one another. In addition to posting in the thread, please also be sure to respond in a helpful and positive way to at least 3 other comments in this thread.

You can also ask any questions in this thread and well respond to them as well.

Very excited to kick this off with all of you!

After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here! You must take part in the brainstorming/activities given in all of these posts to successfully complete the program.


This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here.

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hopedreamlove September 11th, 2020
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@InvaderStitch

I really like that quote as well, thank you for sharing it! It is really admirable how passionate you are about making a difference and helping others. Creativity, insightfulness, and being inspiring and convincing are wonderful strengths to have!

hopedreamlove September 11th, 2020
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1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please

My personality type is INFP-T (Mediator)

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

I learned that I am an idealist, which I didn't realize before, although it makes a lot of sense. I always did believe that I do my best to find the good in people and events, and I felt good after this test confirmed that! I learned that I am guided by my principles rather than logic, excitement, or practicality. That definitely does fit for me, it's something I have struggled with at times because it can be difficult when logic tells you one thing but your emotions and beliefs say something else, but I can see how that would be helpful at times! I am also introverted, which does make sense.

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

Passionate and energetic- Even though mediators may be introverted, when we strongly believe in something, we go all in, and dedicate a lot to the project.

Open-minded and flexible- Mediators have "A live-and-let-live attitude," and don't like to be held back by rules. We also do give the benefit of doubt to others, and respect their principles and beliefs.

Dedicated and hard working- Since mediators are so idealistic, in the time of challenges, they have a higher chance of continuing because of their far-reaching visions and hopes. Mediators believe what they do are meaningful, so it gives us a sense of purpose and courage.

InvaderStitch September 11th, 2020
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@hopedreamlove

It's awesome that you feel like this was validating of things that you already knew and gave you some insight! Mediators definitely have a lot of strengths to make them great leaders!

peacefulWarrior10 September 11th, 2020
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Hello Everyone!

Here's my findings :

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please.

ENFP-T (Campaigner) Anyone from the same personality group, please raise your hand 😀

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

▪︎ That whatever I am or have been or was experiencing about some parts of my life, are because of these personality traits that shape me.

▪︎ About some other parts, I'm yet to believe how it is described. Will re-take the test to confirm.

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

1. Curious - I'm curious and open to new experiences. I like to be stretch outside my comfort zone.

2. Observant - I feel everything happens for a reason and that everything is part of something much bigger. I pay attention and connect the dots mindfully.

3. Energetic & Enthusiastic - I'm open to connect with the world and share my ideas and learnings and in return learn theirs too. I'm high on energy when I'm able to make human connection and it excites me to be part of something bigger.

rebecca947 September 19th, 2020
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@peacefulWarrior10

Warrior! *puts hand down* :p You have some amazing strengths! <3

peacefulWarrior10 September 23rd, 2020
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@rebecca947

Haha, thanks!

ahealingEndoftherainbow22 September 29th, 2020
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@peacefulWarrior10

Those are some really wonderful strengths to have!

peacefulWarrior10 October 2nd, 2020
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@ahealingEndoftherainbow22

Thanks a bunch 😁

Asher October 26th, 2020
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@peacefulWarrior10

It sounds that you have a strong interest in helping people and that shows from your traits.

peacefulWarrior10 November 4th, 2020
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@Asherwolfice

Thank you so much <3

considerateParadise6717 January 27th, 2021
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@peacefulWarrior10

They are really great results, well done.

StarlitSky4762 September 12th, 2020
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1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please.

Logician (INTP)

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

I relate to this quote a lot "The Unexamined Life Is Not Worth Living".

INTPs are considered the most logically precise of all the personality types. That's cool!

"People who share the Logician personality type arent interested in practical, day-to-day activities and maintenance, but when they find an environment where their creative genius and potential can be expressed, there is no limit to the time and energy Logicians will expend in developing an insightful and unbiased solution." - this is SO TRUE about me!

It is really difficult for me to understand what other people mean when they talk in terms of subjectivity and feeling! I also find it really frustrating to listen to people explain something without logic involved, which is common for INTPs. This is exactly why I joined 7Cups - to develop those empathy skills. Empathy is not my natural trait, but after a lot of training, I have improved my skills a lot!

People with the Logician personality type would much rather make a series of logical suggestions for how to resolve the underlying issue, a perspective that is not always welcomed by their more sensitive companions. - very accurate!

The one thing that really holds Logicians back is their restless and pervasive fear of failure. - I feel like someone literally wrote this article about me.

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

Great Analysts and Abstract Thinkers – People with the Logician personality type view the world as a big, complex machine, and recognize that as with any machine, all parts are interrelated. Logicians excel in analyzing these connections, seeing how seemingly unrelated factors tie in with each other in ways that bewilder most other personality types.

Enthusiastic – When a new idea piques their interest, Logicians can be very enthusiastic – they are a reserved personality type, but if another person shares an interest, they can be downright excited about discussing it. More likely though, the only outward evidence of this enthusiasm will be Logicians silent pacing or their staring into the distance.

Objective – Logicians analysis, creativity and open-mindedness arent the tools of some quest for ideology or emotional validation. Rather, its as though people with the Logician personality type are a conduit for the truths around them, so far as they can be expressed, and they are proud of this role as theoretical mediator.

rebecca947 September 19th, 2020
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@StarlitSky4762

Hey, Sky! You and I are the complete opposite- I struggle to connect with my logical mind oftentimes! Good on you for seeking out places and resources where you can build on your weaknesses, and I'm glad you've developed good empathy from here! It's all about having a good balance of empathy and logic, especially when it pertains to our own personal life. :)

wonderfulRainbow817 June 28th, 2021
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@StarlitSky4762

Hi, Sky! I see that you are able to look at the big picture and figure things out. That's awesome! I am the opposite, I am very good at looking at little details instead of the big picture

StarlitSky4762 June 29th, 2021
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@wonderfulRainbow817 That's ok! we all have different strengths!

shiningSound31 September 12th, 2020
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1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters, please
My personality type is INFP-T (Mediator).


2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

The main things that I learned about myself are:
I am idealistic and optimistic. I try to look for the good in even the worst of the people and events. Although I appear calm, I have an inner flame and passion that help me shine.

I am guided by my principles, rather than by logic, excitement, or practicality. It's not the results or consequences but the purity of my intent that guides me.

I am expressive and have a penchant for learning multiple languages.

I like to express myself through metaphors and imaginary characters. I like to ponder upon philosophical questions. I like to listen to many people but I talk to a few. I prioritise mutual understanding between humans but I am reluctant to socialising.

I like to read and understand the feelings of others but reluctant to let others know or understand my feelings. I have a high risk of a feeling of being misunderstood.


3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

My top 3 strengths are:
1) I am Idealistic. I strongly believe that people, at their heart, are good and often misunderstood. This belief allows me to have an incredibly resilient attitude in difficult times.
2) I seek and value Harmony. I don't like to dominate others. I have no interest in having power over anyone. I have strong faith in democracy and the democratic process. I like to ensure that every voice and perspective is heard.
3) I am open-minded and flexible. I have an attitude of a live-and-let-live. I don't like being constrained by rules and support others' right to be different and to do anything that they like until my principles and values are not challenged.

rebecca947 September 19th, 2020
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@shiningSound31

I've seen a lot of INFPs! I love how you described your traits in the first paragraph of the second question, so inspiring and sounds a bit like me (though I'm not an INFP). Are you fluent/do you know other languages? If so, what are they?

shiningSound31 September 19th, 2020
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@rebecca947

Thank you for such a warm and kind appreciation heart This means a lot to me heart My native language (mother tongue) is Hindi. I have learned English as a second language. Although I am comfortable in writing in English, my ability to speak or have conversation in English needs a great improvement. The third language I tried to learn is French. Though I have tried to learn French from duolingo in the past, my proficiency in French is very very basic and preliminary. I only know the meanings of handful of french words.

rebecca947 September 19th, 2020
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@shiningSound31

Wow, you are exceptional! Yes I'm trying to learn French from duolingo as well. I got taught French for 4 years in high school but got nothing out of it due to a bad teacher xD

shiningSound31 September 20th, 2020
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@rebecca947

Thanks, Rebecca heart

Usually learning a new language requires a lot of practice especially the practice of having a conversation in the language with another person. In my case, there are a few among my family members, acquaintances and friends who talk in English and non-existent when it comes to talking in French. So, with the lack of practice in a real-life like situation, the proficiency gained in the language isn't up to the mark. Maybe, that's the situation in your case too regarding French.

rebecca947 September 20th, 2020
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@shiningSound31

Pretty much! Had a native French teacher during my 4 years but she was a horrible teacher. Aside from that, nobody I know speaks French! The best I can do is watch French videos with subtitles!

shiningSound31 September 21st, 2020
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@rebecca947

Yeah, watching French videos with subtitle should be effective. In fact, my own English improved significantly when I started watching English TV series and movies. I started with Prison Break Season 1. I realised that the pronunciation of English in the US and the UK is very different from the way we, here in India, speak English. After watching numerous TV series and content in English created especially in the US and the UK, my listening and writing (majorly because of my job { I was the subject matter expert- English in my last educational technology company) have improved significantly though I fumble a lot while speaking.

rebecca947 September 21st, 2020
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@shiningSound31

Oh wow, I didn't know how you speak English in India is also different! Don't watch Australian English unless you want to be confused xD though most love the accent.

shiningSound31 September 21st, 2020
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@rebecca947

smileylaughsmiley I think I haven't watched English content created in Australia yet cheekylaughsmiley

shiningSound31 September 21st, 2020
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@shiningSound31

I hope people from Australia don't get offended by our conversation. I apologise if they feel offended.

rebecca947 September 22nd, 2020
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@shiningSound31

I'm an Aussie and I'm admitting that xD most Aussies laugh about it, it's fine. Can't speak for everyone though, for sure.

shiningSound31 September 22nd, 2020
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@rebecca947

heartangelGood sense of humour, Rebecca angelheart But sometime, as you said that you can't say for everyone, we should be careful. Being an Indian, I have this experience that people are really sensitive about their nation, religion, community and culture. angelheart I once read a newspaper article where around 10 years ago, a professor in Kerala created a question for an exam and in the question he used the name of the Prophet of Islam. Muslims didn't like that and one day some people stopped him on the road and cut out his hand. Reading that was really scary even for me. So, some people are really sensitive about somethings (nation, religion, culture, community etc.) and we should be careful.

shiningSound31 September 22nd, 2020
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Here is the article: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3074623/Islamists-chopped-Christian-professor-s-hand-set-grammar-exam-question-character-called-Mohammed.html

rebecca947 September 22nd, 2020
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@shiningSound31

Oh my gosh what?! That odd absolutely terrifying!

shiningSound31 September 22nd, 2020
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@rebecca947

Yeah, so, it's better to be careful!

fireyseastar97 October 2nd, 2020
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@shiningSound31

I also got the mediator, however unlike you I am not very good with metaphors

shiningSound31 October 3rd, 2020
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@fireyseastar97

heartheartheart I wish you the best in your journey ahead heartheartheart

fireyseastar97 October 3rd, 2020
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@shiningSound31

Thanks and you too!

shiningSound31 October 3rd, 2020
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@fireyseastar97

heartheartheart

pro21 October 11th, 2020
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@shiningSound31

We have got almost same results! So glad to know you.. :)

shiningSound31 October 11th, 2020
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@pro21

Same here, Pro heartheartheart

generousDiamond35 October 13th, 2020
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@shiningSound31

Explained so well! Such a great set of strengths and qualities. All the best!

shiningSound31 October 16th, 2020
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@generousDiamond35

Thank you :)

Ruchira September 13th, 2020
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1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please : Consul ESFJ-A

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?:

Strengths:

Strong Practical Skills, Strong Sense of Duty, Very Loyal, Sensitive and Warm, Good at Connecting with Others

Weaknesses:

Worried about Their Social Status, Inflexible, Reluctant to Innovate or Improvise, Vulnerable to Criticism, Often Too Needy, Too Selfless

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them:

Good at Connecting with Others – These qualities come together to make Consuls social, comfortable and well-liked. Consul personalities have a strong need to belong, and have no problem with small talk or following social cues in order to help them take an active role in their communities.

Very Loyal – Valuing stability and security very highly, Consuls are eager to preserve the status quo, which makes them extremely loyal and trustworthy partners and employees. Consuls are true pillars of any groups they belong to – whether it is their family or a community club, people with this personality type can always be relied upon.

Strong Practical Skills – Consuls are excellent managers of day-to-day tasks and routine maintenance, enjoying making sure that those who are close to them are well cared for.

lovelyNight9853 September 14th, 2020
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@Ruchira

It is so cool that you are able to mingle with anyone!